Raptors, JSFs on short list for replacing aging Japanese fighters

Published: May 09, 2006
Source: aimpoints.hq.af.mil



Japan's effort to replace its aging F-4 fighter aircraft fleet is focusing on six candidate aircraft -- a list that features four American-made planes, including the international Joint Strike Fighter and the U.S.-exclusive F-22A, according to Japanese defense officials.

However, several defense observers say the decision on what fighter the Pentagon might offer Tokyo largely will be influenced by the top U.S. commander in the Pacific.

One Lockheed Martin official recently told Inside the Air Force the idea of selling the Raptor to Japan appears to have some supporters within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. But another faction inside OSD “is strongly against it,” the company official added. Lockheed is building the F-22A for the Air Force.

In addition to those two next-generation aircraft, Japan also is eying the U.S.-built F/A-18 Super Hornet and the F-15, the Japanese officials said.continue..